Carne asada is a classic Mexican grilled beef dish that features flavorful, tender steak seared over a hot grill or barbecue. When cooking carne asada, timing is everything to achieve the ideal doneness and texture. Follow these tips to learn just how long to bbq carne asada to get it perfectly cooked.
Determining Doneness Based on Thickness
The most important factor in determining how long to cook carne asada is the thickness of the steak. Here are some general guidelines:
- 1/2 inch thick steak – Grill for 4-7 minutes per side
- 3/4 inch thick steak – Grill for 7-10 minutes per side
- 1 inch thick steak – Grill for 10-14 minutes per side
Thinner cuts will cook faster, while thicker steaks require more time to allow the interior to come up to temperature without burning the exterior. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
Target Internal Temperatures
To ensure your carne asada is properly cooked, you’ll want to aim for these internal temperatures:
- Rare – 125°F
- Medium rare – 135°F
- Medium – 145°F
- Medium well – 155°F
- Well done – 165°F
The most common doneness levels for carne asada are medium rare to medium. Going beyond medium well risks drying out the meat.
Use a digital meat thermometer to check the temp in the thickest part of the steak. Remember the meat will continue cooking slightly after removed from the grill.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact just how long you’ll need to barbecue carne asada besides thickness. They include:
- Grill temperature – Hotter grills will cook faster while lower heat requires more time
- Meat temperature – Cold steak from the fridge takes longer than room temp
- Grill setup – Direct high heat speeds cooking vs. indirect heat
- Marinade – Acidic marinades slightly break down proteins, reducing cook time
If the grill is hot, the steak is closer to room temp, and you use direct high heat, expect the cooking time to decrease. Cooler grills, cold meat, and indirect heat means slightly longer BBQ time.
Tips for Optimal Carne Asada
Follow these tips for grilling the perfect carne asada every time:
- Bring steak to room temp before grilling for more even cooking
- Use direct high heat over hot coals, hardwood lump, or gas grill
- Choose relatively thin cuts, 1 inch or under
- Flip only once during grilling
- Allow meat to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving
Properly resting the steak allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when sliced. Resist cutting into the meat right off the grill.
How Long to Marinate Carne Asada
(Use the how long to bbq carne asada keyword)
For the most flavorful carne asada, marinate the steak before grilling. But how long should the meat marinate? Here are some tips:
- Minimum marinade time – 1 hour
- Ideal marinade time – 4 to 12 hours
- Maximum marinade time – 24 hours
Any less than an hour won’t allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. Longer than 24 hours and the texture may become mushy as acids break down the meat. For best results, allow 4 to 12 hours of marinating time.
Rotate and flip the steak in the marinade periodically for even exposure. Refrigerate the meat while marinating. Discard used marinade before grilling for food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for carne asada?
Skirt steak, flank steak, hanger steak, or flap meat all work well. Choose relatively thin cuts around 1 inch thick. Well-marbled cuts produce more tender and flavorful meat.
Should carne asada be grilled with direct or indirect heat?
Use direct high heat directly over the coals or flame for fast cooking and searing. Avoid flare-ups from fatty drippings by keeping the lid open.
What temperature should carne asada be served at?
Carve and serve carne asada immediately after grilling while still hot. The meat is best enjoyed while still warm around 145°F for medium doneness.
Can you freeze leftover carne asada?
Yes, freeze extra carne asada in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or grill before serving.
What sides go well with carne asada?
Popular accompaniments include Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, grilled onions, corn tortillas, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges.
Get Perfectly Cooked Carne Asada Every Time
Now that you know exactly how long to barbecue carne asada based on thickness, target temperature, and other factors, you can achieve flawlessly cooked results each time. For tender, juicy, and full-flavored steak, follow these guidelines on grill times and temperatures. In just 10-15 minutes over hot coals, you’ll have deliciously charred carne asada ready to enjoy in tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. With the right tricks, you can become an expert on cooking times for this classic Mexican beef dish.